The Forest Lovers

She came over the brook at once, alighted on the further side, and

came creeping up to her husband to kneel before him as once before

that morning; but he put his hand on her shoulder to stay her. "Come,"

he said, smiling, "no more ceremony between you and me, my dear.

Rather let us get forward out of the reach of hue-and-cry. For when

the foresters find him that will be the next move in the game." To

Galors he turned with a "By your leave, my friend," and took his

sword; then having put Isoult upon her donkey and mounted his own

beast, he led the way up the ridge wondering where they had best turn

to avoid hue-and-cry. Isoult, who guessed his thoughts, told him of

the minster at Gracedieu.

Sanctuary attached to the Church, she said, as all the woodlanders

knew.

"Excellent indeed," Prosper cried; "that jumps with what I had

determined on before. Moreover, I suppose that Gracedieu is outside

the Malbank fee?"

"Yes, lord, it is far beyond that."

"And how far is it to Gracedieu?"

"It is the journey of two days and nights, my lord."

"Well," said he, "then those nights we must sleep in the forest. How

will that suit you, child?"

"Ah, my lord," breathed the girl, "I have very often slept there."

"And what shall we do for food, Isoult?"

"I will provide for that, my lord."